Patrick Vernon on the Importance of Black History Month

In this video, a panel including activist and campaigner Patrick Vernon discuss the importance and relevance of Black History Month/African Heritage Month.

If you have seen the documentary More than a Month, you know that this debate continues in the United States, where it was found that the way Black history was taught in schools focused on a few signicant figures.  People such as Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks featured prominently, as so they should.  But Black history did not begin with slavery.

Although this approach to Black history is wholly inadequate, when there was no attempt made to recognise Black History Month, Black history was not acknowledged or taught at all.

Therefore, Black history is still very relevant, and although there is no need to confine it to one single month, Black History Month/African Heritage Month serves as a signpost towards greater knowledge and understanding, both here in Britain and in the United States.  . 

I am keen to share Black history as far and wide as I can.  Therefore, please share this with your networks and please leave your comments below.

Please also share these Black history links.

Please also share my short film about Harriet Jacobs and Harriet Tubman.

Harriet: A Choreopoem

 Check out this the short film based on an excerpt from my choreopoem, "Harriet", which depicts an imaginary meeting between Harriet Jacobs and Harriet Tubman.  You can watch it above. 

Plus "Harriet" is now available from the British Library.  This is the audio recording of the full-length choreopoem; above is a video directed by Keely Augustus, based on a short clip. 

Plus check out Soul Survivors:  Slave Narratives by Women.  

Please leave your comments below, and please share this with your networks.  Thanks.  

"Harriet, a Choreopoem" Now in the British Library

I am pleased to announce that "Harriet, a Choreopoem" is now available from the British Library in Euston Road, London. 

"Harriet" depicts an imaginary meeting between Harriet Tubman and Harriet Jacobs, author of Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.  

Click here to read more and view a short film based on "Harriet".  

Black History: Telling Our Stories

October is Black History Month in the UK. For BHM events and resources, see Black History International.

In my recent interview with Loretta N. Green, we talked about the importance of telling our stories. Harriet Jacobs recorded her experiences in her book Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, and I have told her story in my choreopoem, Harriet. A film of Harriet will be shown as part of the BFM London Black Film Festival.

Click here to read more and hear more radio interviews.

I'm on Black Pearls Magazine!

I've recently been interviewed about Success Strategies for Black People. To read this interview, see Black Pearls Magazine.

Click here to read an interview with me about Harriet, my choreopoem about Harriet Jacobs, who escaped sexual exploitation during slavery.

Click here to read more interviews with me.